1. Root cutting
Bumps and cracks across the trail: a continuing problem that has its roots in the roots—tree roots, that is, that encroach under the trail.
Rather than just waiting until roots push their way through the pavement, a large team of FLMSP volunteers took the proactive approach of removing roots alongside the trail before they became a problem.
Twenty volunteers led by Ron Gorley, Paul Morgan and George Stockham spent over 350 hours planning in advance and cutting roots during the week of November 30 to December 5. The team used a rented tractor to pull a root cutter borrowed from our friends at the Prairie Grass Trail in Madison County. From November 30 to December 5 the team cut roots from Terrace Park to Corwin, about 40 of the 50 miles in the Little Miami State Park.
This is the most comprehensive and proactive step ever taken to prevent damage to the asphalt surface. It may be the largest project FLMSP has ever accomplished, measured by the number of volunteers needed and the effort hours invested. The volunteers willingly traveled outside their normal work areas and began as early as 7 AM, working many hours when temperatures were at or below freezing. The effort also required more coordination with other organizations and contacts than any previous project in order to safeguard underground utilities and comply with Ohio laws. Kudos to all the dedicated volunteers whose work will provide a smoother, longer-lasting trail surface to benefit all trail users for years to come.
2. Culvert remediation
Dozens of culverts transport water away from the trail so it does not wash debris on the surface or erode the riverbank. Soil, leaves and sticks eventually clog the culverts; until FLMSP’s efforts in the last couple of years many of them had not been cleared since the trail was first laid. Trail segment adopter teams work hard to keep the culverts clear, but some, especially those long buried, require heavy machinery or repair. This year our culvert crew, led by Bruce Cortright, remediated several culverts in the southern half of the park. Much of the work was done with a rented backhoe and volunteers to keep costs low. Read about one particularly difficult culvert remediation here.
3. Trail Counting
The purpose of this pioneering program is to provide reliable data that demonstrates the popularity of our trail corridor state park, a valuable regional asset that merits increased state funding for its restoration and maintenance. In 2015, the program’s second year, accuracy was improved through upgraded equipment and better data handling. The Trail Uses Counting program is possible because of the extensive research and strategic planning by Paul Morgan, a former FLMSP board member and trail adopter. John Theuring, trained by Paul, now leads this valuable program. To learn how the numbers are determined, see the 2015 Trail Uses Counting Program report.
4. Tree planting
A reforestation team effort led by Rick Forrester began in spring 2015 and culminated with the late fall planting of 157 trees of various native species along the trail between Fosters and Loveland. The project even earned a spot on the local Channel 12 news. Read more here.
